The Richard A. Coppola Pool at Rider University has seen much success throughout its history. Through hard work, determination and competitiveness, our men's and women's swimming and diving teams have earned a total of 20 championships over the years, including a current streak of eight consecutive MAAC titles on the men's side. We are extremely proud of the success our student-athletes have had and are thrilled to share our plans for the transformation of Coppola Pool.

Background:
Rider recently conducted a study of Coppola Pool to assemble a list of improvements that will significantly enhance the facility. The list encompasses critical mechanical updates while identifying the need for technological and aesthetic upgrades. As you can imagine, funding needed to undertake a project this large is quite significant. Recognizing the value and impact the swimming and diving program has on Rider and its student-athletes, the University moved forward with the replacement of a new boiler system with a dedicated water control capability to address temperature issues in the pool. Additionally, new LED lighting and starting blocks were installed. The total cost for those renovations reached approximately $200,000.

Transformational Gift:
Knowing that further funding to address the additional upgrades on the list was still needed, Wayne Canastra '72, answered the call. Despite not having been a member of the swimming and diving team during his time as a student at Rider, Wayne learned about the challenges facing Coppola Pool and recognized how important the aquatics facility is not only for our student-athletes, but for the University and community as a whole. In an effort to help Rider address these critical improvements by virtue of external support, Wayne decided to make a major gift toward the project in the amount of $700,000. In doing so, he hopes this gift serves as a challenge to our alumni and friends to also step up and give back for this much-needed renovation project.
Following Wayne's outstanding commitment towards the project, the University conducted a complete assessment – top to bottom – of Coppola Pool to make sure we were addressing our most pressing needs, and prioritizing them in appropriate order.  At the conclusion of the assessment, we identified the following areas for improvement:

Project Overview:

• Install all new HVAC equipment to address temperature issues;
• Install a new gutter system to address water flow issues;
• Replace the deck;
• Install an upgraded piping system for increased filtration rate and water turnover;
• Install a new one meter and three meter dive stand;
• Plaster the pool, add a Rider logo on the pool bottom;
• New scoreboard;
• New record board;
• Add windows;
• New lighting;
• New spectator seating;
• Finishing upgrades; and
• New boiler, LED lighting, starting blocks (installed Fall of 2018).

Project Goals:
The complete transformation of Coppola Pool is a $1.5 million project.  In an effort to help to further address our areas of need, the University decided to add an additional $300,000 towards the project, bringing the total Rider investment to $500,000.  In total, when added to Wayne's gift, the current available funding stands at $1.2 million, leaving us with a goal of $300,000 to go.

We are thrilled to be able to share with you the news of our investment and Wayne's gift, and have a tremendous opportunity to make a lasting impact on Coppola Pool.  Given our outstanding history of competitiveness and success, we hope you will consider accepting and embracing Wayne's challenge and help us reach our project goal.  The lasting impacts of this project will be incredible, and this is truly a game-changer for the Rider Swimming and Diving team as we strive to continue to elevate our program and build upon our history of success.    

You can help us get there by visiting www.rider.edu/CoppolaPoolProject and making your gift today.

Thank you for all you do for the Rider swimming and diving program.  

Sincerely,

Don Harnum  
Director of Athletics

Steve Fletcher
Head Coach
Swimming and Diving

Rich Coppola
Head Coach Emeritus
Swimming and Diving

Questions, or to find out how you can get more involved, please contact Matt Mastrianni, Associate Director of Major Gifts for Athletics at 609-896-5291 or mmastrianni@rider.edu.